🏙 About Meguro City
Located in Tokyo’s southwest area, Meguro City is surrounded by Shibuya, Setagaya, Shinagawa, and Ota.
It is home to some of the trendiest neighborhoods along the Tokyu railway lines—Nakameguro, Jiyugaoka, Gakugei-Daigaku, and Yutenji.
The area is known for the Meguro River’s cherry blossoms, rooftop parks like Meguro Sky Garden, stylish cafés, boutique shops, and serene residential streets lined with greenery.
Art museums, cultural halls, and walkable shopping districts give the area a calm yet fashionable atmosphere.
In spring, the Meguro River becomes one of Tokyo’s most famous sakura spots, drawing visitors from around the world with its 800 cherry trees and nighttime illuminations 🌸✨
📜 Origin of the Name & Historical Background 🏯
There are several theories about the origin of the name “Meguro,” but a widely accepted one is that it refers to the “black-eyed” (meguro) statue of Fudo Myo-o enshrined at Ryusenji Temple (Meguro Fudoson).
Ryusenji, a prominent Tendai Buddhist temple, is one of the "Five Colored Fudo Temples" that historically protected Edo.
Its name appears in local historical materials and remains a significant cultural landmark in the area.
In 1932, Meguro Town and Hibusa Town merged to form “Meguro Ward” under Tokyo City.
After postwar administrative reforms, it became one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards.
Meguro has since evolved into a refined residential and cultural area with a rich mix of history and modern lifestyle.
🏙 Highlights: Culture, Architecture, & Nature ✨
• Meguro Gajoen and the “Hyakudan Kaidan”
A historic building known for its spectacular decorative art.
Hyakudan Kaidan (the “Hundred Steps”) is designated as a tangible cultural property of Tokyo.
Note: Hotel operations are scheduled to end in September 2025, with a temporary closure from October. Check official notices for updates.
• Meguro Museum of Art 🎨
Opened in 1987, this community-oriented museum offers exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs.
• Rinshinomori Park 🌳
A vast forest-like park built on the former grounds of the Forestry Experiment Station, stretching across Meguro and Shinagawa.
• Meguro Sky Garden (Ohashi Junction rooftop) ☁️
An elevated park built on top of a highway junction, offering unique cityscape views and greenery in the sky.
• Yutenji Temple ⛩
Founded in 1723, this Jodo Buddhist temple near Nakameguro is known for its peaceful grounds and local festivals.
• “Interior Street” along Meguro-dori 🛋
A famous stretch filled with furniture, interior design shops, and vintage stores—perfect for home design lovers.
🚃 Transportation & Access
Railway Access:
• Tokyu Toyoko Line
Serving Nakameguro, Yutenji, Gakugei-Daigaku, Toritsu-Daigaku, and Jiyugaoka.
Jiyugaoka Station is inside Meguro City and acts as a junction with the Oimachi Line.
• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
From Nakameguro (H01) to key central areas such as Ginza, Hibiya, Roppongi.
• Tokyu Meguro Line
Direct through-service to the Metro Namboku Line and Toei Mita Line,
and further connection to Kanagawa (Shinyokohama, Sotetsu Line), creating a powerful wide-area network.
Fun fact 🚉
Despite its name, “Meguro Station” is actually located on the Shinagawa City side.
Road Access:
Major roads such as Yamate-dori, Meguro-dori, and Komazawa-dori run through the ward.
The Shuto Expressway C2 and Yamate Tunnel intersect at Ohashi Junction, enabling smooth car access across the city.
🏡 Living in Meguro City – Comfort, Calmness, and Style 🌿
• Residential Character
Large areas are designated as low-rise residential zones, resulting in quiet neighborhoods with houses and low-rise condominiums.
Hills, trees, and green belts contribute to a peaceful urban environment despite the central location.
• Popular Stations & Local Vibes
Nakameguro 🌸☕
A major hub connecting the Toyoko Line and Hibiya Line.
Known for riverside cafés, galleries, and boutiques.
Rental demand is extremely strong year-round.
Jiyugaoka 🛍🍰
A stylish shopping district with excellent education and living environments,
popular among families and DINKs.
Convenient access on two lines (Toyoko Line & Oimachi Line).
Gakugei-Daigaku / Toritsu-Daigaku / Yutenji 🏠
Walkable neighborhoods with charming shopping streets supporting everyday life.
Suitable for singles, couples, and families alike.
Small trivia:
Gakugei-Daigaku = former location of Tokyo Gakugei University
Toritsu-Daigaku = named after the former Tokyo Metropolitan University nearby
🏘 Real Estate & Asset Value 💴
Meguro City benefits from expanding transit networks such as:
• Tokyu Toyoko Line
• Meguro Line
• Through-service to Metro Namboku Line, Mita Line
• Connection to Sotetsu–Shinyokohama Line
These enhance commuting, school access, and leisure mobility across a wide region.
When evaluating properties, consider:
• Walking distance to the station
• Local convenience (shops, supermarkets, schools, clinics)
• Flood control and ground stability near Meguro River
• Presence of hills and elevation differences
Low-rise residential zones, riverside view properties, and hillside homes are especially valued for their “Meguro-like” charm and long-term asset potential.
🚶♀️ Half-Day “Meguro Experience” Plan
Coffee by the Meguro River in Nakameguro
Enjoy cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops along the river.
Walk to Meguro Sky Garden for a refreshing “sky stroll”
A unique rooftop park with views over the city.
Visit the Meguro Museum of Art
Appreciate exhibitions and spend a cultural afternoon.
Head to Jiyugaoka for shopping
Explore charming alleyways filled with sweets, fashion, and lifestyle shops.
A perfect combination of cafés, greenery, art, and shopping—
this is the lifestyle that makes Meguro City so appealing ☀️✨